Arctostaphylos manzanita 'St. Helena'

St. Helena Manzanita

Evergreen Shrub

" A tree type manzanita that has been a stellar performer in our gardens. Rapid growth to 10′ x 10′ in 8 years. Broad, rounded sage green foliage is held perpendicular to the cinnamon red stems to avoid moisture loss (no flat leaves baking in the sun). In winter to early spring, clusters of white flowers are effective and visited heavily by pollinators. Russet red berries follow but do not last long because of animal predation. Open habit with time that exposes the muscular, smooth mahogany trunks. (Its thought the bark exfoliates to deter moss and lichen growth). This is a very hardy drought adapted west coast native shrub to small tree for average, well drained soils and NO summer irrigation. Full sun and room to spread. Avoid rich, amended soils- leaner conditions produce a much hardier and longer-lived plant."—Courtesy Xera Plants

Growing Conditions

Zone: 7, 8, 9, 10

Exposure: Full Sun, Afternoon Sun, Reflected Heat

Water Needs: Drought-tolerant, Low, Occasional

Description

Size: 96 - 144 tall x 96 - 144 wide
Shape / Form: Rounded
Foliage Texture: Medium
Foliage Quality: Medium

Features: Attractive Bark or Stem, Attracts Bees, Attracts Birds, Attracts Butterflies, Attracts Hummingbirds, Drought-tolerant / Water wise, Attractive Foliage, Low Maintenance, Native Plant, Winter Interest, Year-round Interest

Foliage Color: Green

Flower Color: Ivory / Cream, Pink
Bloom Season: Feb, Winter
Flower Shape: Bell

Fruit Description: Red
Fruit Description: Bronze / Copper

Uses and Applications

Landscape Uses: Banks and Slopes, Hedges and Screens, Hell Strip, Mixed Border, Specimen, Structure / Foundation
Special Situations: Deer Resistant, Low Water / No Water, Reflected Heat, Tough / Fool-Proof, Winter Wet / Summer Dry
Wildlife: Bees, Butterflies, Deer Resistant, Hummingbirds, Pollinators

More Design Considerations

Season of Interest: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall, Year-round Interest, Three Seasons of Interest
Position / Role: mid-plane filler
Collections: Plants That Earn Their Keep

Care and Maintenance

Maintenance Level: low

Plant Combos